Sitting in this hotel room, I am constantly hearing airplane engines roar. Launch is finally here.
This is the most difficult post I’ve written thus far. Why? It is about “goodbyes”. The past few weeks have been full of “see you laters”. I could never have come to Launch yesterday without the help and support of countless people. However, nothing can ease my emotional discomfort of leaving dear family and friends for 11 months except for Hope. That Hope is Jesus Christ. As I said “goodbye” many times, I began to realize that Jesus never said goodbye…because He is coming back! In John 14, Jesus tells His disciples that He is going to prepare a place for them…and for us. He left our presence physically, but He sent our Helper the Holy Spirit AND He’s coming back for us!! My pastor mentioned not too long ago that fewer churches now preach on the second coming of Christ. I am saddened by that reality because that is what gives Christians Hope for the future beyond what we can see. It is the Hope that sustains me, drives me into ministry, and prepares me for an eternal lifetime. Launch is a time of saying many temporary “goodbyes”. 11 months may seem like a long time, but those months will fly by. However, Jesus knew what it was like to leave His mother and father. In the book of Luke, we see that He even spoke to His followers about leaving behind family for the sake of the beautiful Gospel. The cost of discipleship is great. However, it is worth every tear drop, every goodbye, and every hardship because He is worth it all.
Our first stop is Ecuador. Would you pray with me? Please join me in praying not only for health, safety, and wisdom, but for compassion, strength, and joy. I want to be burdened for each lost soul I encounter this year. I am almost fully funded, but I would love for you to pray with me that I will reach 100% very soon.
I cannot fathom all the ways God will transform me, my team, my squad, and countless others through this World Race experience. This does feel like a new beginning for me. This is a new year of discovering how God’s heart for His people is my heart’s desire.
Thank you for being with me in this journey. Adventure awaits. Growth will be painful. Some moments will be challenging. The Gospel is worth it. Jesus is worth it. He is coming back for His Bride.
Lauren
